SILVER MEDALIST - THE NEW WEDDINGTON ISLES
Lord Watitune, John Brookes, Lord of the New Weddington Isles
Name: Lord Watitune, John Brookes
Role: Lord of the Manor
Micronation: The New Weddington Isles
Website: newweddington.co.uk
Tell us a little bit about your micronation: We started as a historic website on the medieval Manor of Weddington, UK IN 2005. We relaunched as a full Micronation in 2020 and claim an unclaimed ‘phantom isle’ in the Southern Indian Ocean, as the New Weddington Isles; with plans to relocate the old manor. Whilst we work on this our government ex aliena is based in Canberra, Australia. We are active as a micro in the local community through charity and government projects and events. Our micronation has recently been awarded a $3000 grant by the Canberran Government for a disability arts project. This just goes to show that micro and macronational governments CAN work together. We are also actively growing our presence in the micronational world.
Was this your first foray into MicroSports?
No. Last year we organised an online MicroNational League Cup – a soccer tournament based on English League. This has been hugely popular with 12 micronations competing for the trophy and many more on the list for next season. The feeling of friendly competition and camaraderie is great. We also compete in MicroAFL (Australian Rules Football) and MicroCricket.
See MicroSports website: https://micronationscup.weebly.com/
What was your main reason for joining up to the MicroOlympics?
Unique and easy way of bringing micronations together to compete online in a prestigious event. Ease of taking part, meeting other micronations, no cost and winning a Medal!!
Did you do much preparation for the Games?
We used the BBC website and official Winter Olympics site to get some predictions on which nations were tipped to win in which sports. It worked sometimes, but sometimes the results were totally off.
Were you planning on winning a medal?
Yes! Or at least top 6…
Do you think you will take part in other MicroSports in the coming year?
Definitely – MicroNational Soccer league next season starts August 2022 - which we will be hosting - and we will also do MicroAFL (Aussie Rules Football Men’s league in March), and MicroCricket – plus the Kingdom of Woodlandia are organising a MicroKaraoke event for May. I'm no singer but I may dust off my Bryan Ferry voice ;)
What would you say to other micronations thinking of taking part in a MicroSports event?
Do it! It’s fun, challenging, the team selection and points are done for you online once the team is selected. It's also good way to form alliances and interact with other Micronations, chance of winning medals and IT’S FREE!
SPORT NOT WAR!
Role: Lord of the Manor
Micronation: The New Weddington Isles
Website: newweddington.co.uk
Tell us a little bit about your micronation: We started as a historic website on the medieval Manor of Weddington, UK IN 2005. We relaunched as a full Micronation in 2020 and claim an unclaimed ‘phantom isle’ in the Southern Indian Ocean, as the New Weddington Isles; with plans to relocate the old manor. Whilst we work on this our government ex aliena is based in Canberra, Australia. We are active as a micro in the local community through charity and government projects and events. Our micronation has recently been awarded a $3000 grant by the Canberran Government for a disability arts project. This just goes to show that micro and macronational governments CAN work together. We are also actively growing our presence in the micronational world.
Was this your first foray into MicroSports?
No. Last year we organised an online MicroNational League Cup – a soccer tournament based on English League. This has been hugely popular with 12 micronations competing for the trophy and many more on the list for next season. The feeling of friendly competition and camaraderie is great. We also compete in MicroAFL (Australian Rules Football) and MicroCricket.
See MicroSports website: https://micronationscup.weebly.com/
What was your main reason for joining up to the MicroOlympics?
Unique and easy way of bringing micronations together to compete online in a prestigious event. Ease of taking part, meeting other micronations, no cost and winning a Medal!!
Did you do much preparation for the Games?
We used the BBC website and official Winter Olympics site to get some predictions on which nations were tipped to win in which sports. It worked sometimes, but sometimes the results were totally off.
Were you planning on winning a medal?
Yes! Or at least top 6…
Do you think you will take part in other MicroSports in the coming year?
Definitely – MicroNational Soccer league next season starts August 2022 - which we will be hosting - and we will also do MicroAFL (Aussie Rules Football Men’s league in March), and MicroCricket – plus the Kingdom of Woodlandia are organising a MicroKaraoke event for May. I'm no singer but I may dust off my Bryan Ferry voice ;)
What would you say to other micronations thinking of taking part in a MicroSports event?
Do it! It’s fun, challenging, the team selection and points are done for you online once the team is selected. It's also good way to form alliances and interact with other Micronations, chance of winning medals and IT’S FREE!
SPORT NOT WAR!
